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Growth Hormone Axis

Ipamorelin

Selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers a GH pulse with little effect on cortisol, prolactin or appetite.

RestrictedEvidence level 3 of 5: Limited human dataAlso: NNC 26-0161, Ipamorelin acetate

Overview

Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid peptide that mimics ghrelin at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor in the pituitary, triggering a short pulse of growth hormone. Its distinguishing feature is selectivity: unlike older GHRPs such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it raises GH without meaningfully increasing cortisol, prolactin or hunger. Because it works through a different receptor than GHRH analogs, it is commonly combined with CJC-1295 (no-DAC) or sermorelin for a larger, still-pulsatile GH release. It is used with the goal of improving sleep, recovery and body composition. Human research is limited to early pharmacology and a gastrointestinal trial, so benefits for aging and body composition remain unproven.

Classification
Synthetic pentapeptide; selective ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) agonist / growth hormone secretagogue
Route
Subcutaneous
Half-life
~2 hours (SC)

Mechanism of action

Primary targetGhrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), anterior pituitary
  1. Activates GHSR-1aBinds the ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons.
  2. Calcium-mediated GH releaseReceptor signaling via phospholipase C raises intracellular calcium, releasing stored GH.
  3. Selective pulseGH rises without significant ACTH, cortisol or prolactin release.
  4. Synergy with GHRHCombined with a GHRH analog, the two pathways amplify pulse amplitude.
  5. IGF-1 productionGH stimulates hepatic IGF-1, mediating anabolic and lipolytic effects.
Downstream effects
  • Pulsatile GH increase
  • Improved sleep (reported)
  • Recovery support
  • Modest fat loss

Researched for

  • Postoperative ileus
  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Body composition
  • Sleep and recovery

Research notes

  • Original characterization (Raun 1998) showed GH release comparable to GHRP-6 without ACTH or cortisol elevation.
  • Human pharmacokinetic studies (Gobburu 1999) established a short half-life (~2 h) and dose-proportional GH response.
  • A phase 2 trial in postoperative ileus after bowel surgery (Beck 2014) showed no significant benefit over placebo.
  • No controlled human studies in healthy aging, body composition or sleep; real-world claims are largely anecdotal.

Reported side effects

  • Injection-site reactions
  • Mild water retention
  • Transient rise in fasting glucose
  • Headache or flushing
  • Hand tingling at higher doses

Contraindications & cautions

  • Active malignancy
  • Untreated diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Untreated severe sleep apnea

Lab monitoring

  • IGF-1
  • Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin
  • Lipid panel
  • CBC and CMP
  • Prolactin (if symptomatic)

Dosing and pricing for Ipamorelin

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

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